Let us celebrate the creative power, beauty and energy of pregnancy while easing many of the challenges and discomforts that occur during the childbearing year. Your confidence in your body will be increased.

Weight gain in the front of the body causes the mother to lean back changing the center of gravity allowing the pelvis to rotate forward, placing more stress on the sacro-iliac joint and lumbar spine. In our calm atmosphere, we can give you relief from muscle pain and joint stiffness, enabling you to begin labour with less tension in your back, pelvis and legs. After the birth you will be able to recover your energy and muscle tone more quickly, reducing postpartum stress.

As a general rule, anything that goes on that stresses the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems is affecting your whole body, which of course includes your baby. Anything that goes on emotionally must be dealt with on a physical level. Massage therapy is vital, because it releases all of these tensions, making for a healthier environment inside you. For you and your baby.

Our specially designed massage tables make it possible for you to lie on your stomach and chest again. Massage will give you physical and emotional relaxation, reducing the fatigue that is so common in pregnancy.

Pregnancy is a magical experience in any woman’s life. Along with that magic, a woman’s body will undergo some serious changes as it adjusts to a growing fetus.

How has pregnancy changed your body?

• Are you stiffer?
• Are you experiencing swelling?
• Do you have cramping?
• Are you moodier and easier irritated?
• More than likely most of you are experiencing one if not a combination of all of these symptoms.

Three important facts:
Your center of gravity is shifting. The changes in your structure and hormones cause tremendous amounts of stress in your body. As a general rule, anything that goes on that stresses the skeletal, muscular and nervous systems in your body, is also affecting your baby. And anything that goes on emotionally must be dealt with on a physical level.

It is our goal as Pregnancy Massage Therapists to provide therapeutic bodywork which focuses on the special needs of the mother-to-be as her body goes through the dramatic changes of the childbirth experience - pregnancy, birth, and post-partum. Touch is vital to the mother's psychological and physiological well-being as she adapts to a changing body. Massage provides a nurturing touch, which in turn, nurtures the life of the unborn child.

One way that women can minimize the physical and emotional discomforts of pregnancy and childbirth, and improve the quality of this transformative time of their lives, is to receive periodic maternity massages, a form of therapeutic bodywork. Maternity massage is much more than a soothing back rub, and has documented therapeutic value.

Massage reduces stress, induces deep relaxation, increases energy levels and relieves muscle tension in the areas most affected by the growing fetus and the mother's shifting center of gravity, such as the back, neck, and pelvic area. The massage therapist assists the woman with passive muscle stretches and joint movements to relieve cramping, fatigue, and musculoskeletal pain, helping to increase range of motion and flexibility.

Massage stimulates the circulation of blood and lymph fluids and reduces swelling in the lower extremities, a common symptom during pregnancy. Massage also facilitates postpartum structural realignment and healing of connective tissue when a Caesarean section has been performed.

Given the complex hormonal and physiological changes of pregnancy, it is best to seek out a massage therapist specifically trained in maternity massage. The bodywork takes place in a clean, private, nurturing space, with soft lighting and soothing music. During the massage session, a light oil or lotion is used which lubricates the skin to enable a gliding action across the muscle and helps replenish the skins suppleness. But essential oils should be avoided during pregnancy, as their potency through your blood stream is far too strong for a growing fetus to handle.

Massage, when performed by a qualified practitioner can alleviate numerous ailments that come along with child bearing. It can decrease stress, anxiety, & depression that can be experienced due to hormonal changes in the body. Not to mention lessen the physical discomfort of carrying a baby. It can increase local and general blood circulation, which will help carry more oxygen and nutrients to both mother & baby. It will improve lymphatic drainage and circulation, to help with the elimination of toxins built up in one's body. Along with soothing nervous tension, massage will aid in eliminating lactic acid and other cellular waste, which causes muscle fatigue. It will also relieve headaches, back pain, sore swollen ankles & feet. It will add a general feeling of upliftment and well-being to the mother.

Cautions

The risks within maternity massage cannot be ignored. There are potential hazards if maternity massage is not performed with caution and expertise. All women should seek out a therapist who is knowledgeable in this field, and who is qualified to carry out specific pregnancy massage.

Some of those potential hazards (therapists call them contraindications) are:

• In the first trimester (weeks 1 - 13) of pregnancy it is a potential hazard to use strong pressure or to overstimulate the heel of the foot, as this is a reflex area for the reproductive system.

• Maternity massage is safe and effective for women with uncomplicated, low risk pregnancies. Written consent from the prenatal care provider is needed for women with high risks.

High Risk Pregnancies

No massage will be given without written release of physician.

• Diabetic mother
• Cardiac disorders - heart disease
• Chronic hypertension
• Previous problem in pregnancy - previous miscarriage
• Asthma
• Suspected RH negative mother or other genetic problems
• Drug addictions or exposure to drugs
• Previous multiple births
• Incompetent cervix
• Lung or liver disorder
• Severe anaemia
• Abnormal fetal heartbeat
• Decrease of fetal movement
• Interuterine growth retardation
• Lupus erythematosus

The average session lasts between an hour and an hour and a half. Gift certificates are available. Perfect present for the new mother in your family.

A session begins with a medical history review to determine if a release from your prenatal care provider is necessary, and to enable the therapist to focus on areas needing relief. The therapist recommends exercises, body mechanics, breathing, and relaxation techniques.

A specially designed massage table makes it possible for the mother to lie on her stomach and chest again.

A specially designed massage table makes it possible for the mother to lie on her stomach and chest again. Of course it gets cosily covered with sheets and blankets, and there will be a comfortable face cradle (made of tempurpedic® foam) attached to this table.

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